European Union · Food Contact

Food Contact Testing in the European Union

A practical guide to Food Contact Testing for food contact sold in the European Union: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Articles must be tested for colourants, heavy metals, and other contaminants that can transfer to food; Brands selling packaging, tableware, or kitchenware in the European Union

Authority

European Commission

Legal basis

Regulation (EU) 10/2011

Local representative

The importer is normally responsible for compliance

Timeline

Before sale; testing usually takes weeks

Cost

Migration testing is the main cost

If you do not comply

Withdrawal, recall, and fines

Who needs this

Articles must be tested for colourants, heavy metals, and other contaminants that can transfer to food
Brands selling packaging, tableware, or kitchenware in the European Union

Documents you need

Contaminant transfer test report
Food contact declaration of compliance
Migration test reports
Material composition and supplier declarations

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Contaminant transfer test report
Food contact declaration of compliance
Migration test reports
Material composition and supplier declarations

How to comply

Test for heavy metals and colourants
Confirm the material is in scope of food contact rules
Review composition against the positive list
Test migration where required

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Food Contact Testing — European Union
Product category: Food Contact
Authority: European Commission
Legal basis: Regulation (EU) 10/2011

Documents we already have:
  1. Contaminant transfer test report
  2. Food contact declaration of compliance
  3. Migration test reports
  4. Material composition and supplier declarations

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Food Contact Testing in the European Union?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before sale; testing usually takes weeks.

Migration testing is the main cost.

Common rejection reasons

Lead transfer above the limit
No declaration of compliance
Migration limits exceeded
Non-authorised substance in the formulation

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.

Official sources

FAQ

Who needs Food Contact Testing in the European Union?

Articles must be tested for colourants, heavy metals, and other contaminants that can transfer to food Brands selling packaging, tableware, or kitchenware in the European Union.

What documents are required for Food Contact Testing?

Contaminant transfer test report; Food contact declaration of compliance; Migration test reports; and material composition and supplier declarations.

What is the first step for Food Contact Testing?

Test for heavy metals and colourants. Before sale; testing usually takes weeks.

How long does Food Contact Testing take?

Before sale; testing usually takes weeks.

How much does Food Contact Testing cost?

Migration testing is the main cost.

What happens if I sell without it?

Withdrawal, recall, and fines.

Who regulates Food Contact Testing in the European Union?

European Commission.